LYME DISEASE

Lyme disease is a disease caused by four types of bacteria species. Borrelia burgdorferi, borer lia meyenii, borrelia afzelii and borrelia garinii are the four bacterial species that cause Lyme disease. This is a tick borne disease. Symptoms are:
• Small, red bump at the side of a tick bite
• Rash that lasts from 3 to 30 days after a tick infection
• Flu like symptoms
• Erythema migrans in later stages
• Neurological issues and joint pains in later stages
• Nausea
• Diffuse rashes

HOW IS LYME DISEASE DIAGNOSED?

Lab tests to identify antibodies to the bacteria can help confirm the diagnosis. These tests are most reliable a few weeks after an infection, after your body has had time to develop antibodies. They include:
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test.
• Western blot test

HOW IS LYME DISEASE TREATED?

Treatment of Lyme disease involves the use of antibodies to fight the bacteria. Oral antibiotics and intravenous antibiotics are used for treating the disease.

DID YOU KNOW?

If left untreated Lyme disease can cause impaired memory and irregular heartbeats.